The latest is pet shop Sherwood Animal Care, which opened last Tuesday.

One of the store managers, Simon George, said the decision to start up a business in Hucknall's High Street had come after observing the footfall in the area.

He said: "We went around all sorts of places in Notts, including Alfreton, as well as places in Derbyshire such as Belper and Ripley.

"But we really liked this spot and saw that it was quite a busy area."

Mr George said the building had been empty for at least two years but was previously used by phone service provider O2.

Another new shop is ladies fashion store Dressing Room, also on the High Street.

Owner Kim Burton opened the store in November after closing down her previous business, Euphoria, which she ran in Watnall Road.

She said: "This store is in a much more prominent position and I've had to order more stock because it has been going so well."

The shop stayed open until 7.30pm on Wednesday night as part of the town's Christmas Carnival night, which attracted more than 7,000 visitors.

Store manager Susan Astill said she enjoyed her work after being jobless for almost seven months, following the closure of Bonmarche in March.

"I had been made redundant as shop manager there, so when Kim asked me to manage her store, I was delighted to do it," Ms Astill added.

Another successful business new to the High Street is H2O Lounge and Bar which opened at the end of October.

Owner Brian Willows said the bar had been full every weekend since it opened.

Ashfield District Councillor for Hucknall North, and deputy council leader, Councillor John Wilmott, said: "Hucknall offers many benefits to businesses including an excellent transport system with easy links to Nottingham City and the motorway.

"There is also new, affordable office space with the Byron Business Centre and a variety of retail and catering outlets, making it a very attractive location."